AMBAT CHUKA DAL BHAJI [GREEN SORREL CURRY]

I found Ambat Chuka last week at the sabzi mandi. It is a tangy version of Palak [appearance is like palak/ spinach but it is very sour in taste]. In fact I googled to find out what it is called in other languages and was surprised to know that in Hindi it is called Khatti Palak and in English it known as Green Sorrel. It’s very easy and quick recipe. Khatta bhaji is available at most Indian vegetable vendors. Select the fresh bhaji with firm, dark green variety and see to it that it is fresh and free from any insect infestation.  Remove the leafy portion from the stalk.

In fact you can use tender stalks also for the recipe. The most common recipe called for khatta bhaji is made by combining split Bengal Gram or Chana Dal. For some other recipe you can add onion, chopped potato, green tomato , spinach and brinjals. Will share that version some other day.  This green sorrel is very good for skin and plays an important role in maintaining vision.  Since it is low in calories, it can be eaten by people who want to lose weight. So here is the step by step recipe with pictures.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Bunch Ambat Chuka Leaves with stems [khatta bhaji]

¼ Cup Peanuts

¼ Cup Finely Sliced Dry Coconut

½ Cup Chana Dal [split yellow gram],soaked in water for 1 hour

1 tablespoon Besan/ Gram Flour [see tips]

1 tablespoon Jaggery

Salt as per taste

For the tampering:

1 teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste

½ teaspoon Mustard Seeds

½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds

2-3 Green Chilies split lengthwise

¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder

 2 tablespoon Oil

METHOD:

STEP 1 - Wash the greens under running water and keep aside.

STEP 2 – Wash the chana dal with lots of water for 2-3 times.

STEP 3 - Cook ambat chukka along with peanuts, sliced coconut and chana dal in a pressure cooker for 2-3 whistles.

STEP 4 – Blend it with hand blender and keep it aside.

STEP 3 – In a wide wok heat oil and then add cumin-mustard seeds and few slices of coconut.

STEP 4 – Then add ginger-garlic paste with green chilies in it.

STEP 5 – Add turmeric powder

and then add cooked ambat chukka in it.

STEP 6 – Add salt as per taste.

STEP 7 – Add grated jaggery and mix it well.[see tips]

STEP 8 – Cook for few minutes. Adjust the water quantity to the required consistency. [See tips]  

STEP 9 – Once the water starts boiling add the besan stirring continuously.

STEP 10 - Cook it for few more minutes until it gets slightly thick.

Switch off the heat and bhaji is ready to serve.

Serve hot ambat chukka bhaji with Chapatti, Bhakri or plain Rice.

NOTES:   * Adjust the quantity of besan according to your desired consistency.

                 *I don’t like much sweet so I added very less jaggery but you can add more as per your liking.

                 * Usually this bhaji is made to a semi-thick dal consistency which can be eaten with rice too.

POTATO SALAD

Potato salad comes in many varieties, whether you’re looking for light and healthy salad recipe. Potato salads make the perfect accompaniment to a meal or a delicious and substantial meal on their own. It is very easy and tasty salad. When I saw this could not resist myself and tried it. I am very happy with its taste. This recipe is shared by my dear FB friend Rashmi Jaykumar from Mysore. Thanks Rash for sharing the super tempting salad recipe. If you are searching for some healthy salad this is perfect salad. It is a bright and fresh recipe with tangy kick. Be sure to take your love of potato salad to the next level and try this Classic Tasty Potato Salad recipe.

INGREDIENTS:                 

2 Potatoes [Peel and dice them as wedges]

1 Tomato

1 Onion

¼ teaspoon Pepper Powder

Salt as per taste

¼ teaspoon Chilli Flakes [as per your taste]

¼ teaspoon Oregano

1 teaspoon Oil

½ teaspoon Lemon Juice

½ teaspoon Honey

1 tablespoon Cream [optional]

Chopped Coriander

METHOD:

STEP 1 - Micro wave potato wedges for 10 minutes or you can par boil them.
STEP 2 - Shallow fry the pieces in a pan using a teaspoon of oil. Roast them on a low flame.
STEP 3 - Add salt, pepper, oregano, chilli flakes.
STEP 4 - Lastly chop onions, tomatoes, coriander and lemon juice.
STEP 5 - You can add a some cream [optional] and your potato salad is ready to serve.

Serve it as a side dish to your lunch or dinner and enjoy.

NOTE: You may add a pinch of chaat masala to it.

CHICKEN SAUSAGE TWIZZLERS

This recipe  is with chicken sausages which is very simple and quickely cooked recipe. My family and especially my younger daughter is very happy with this recipe. Used chicken sausages, spread sausage spiral down the skewer and coat in flour, ensure to dust off any excess flour before egg wash and then coat them with bread crumbs. Dry in hot oil until golden brown and your twizzlers are ready to serve. So here is my step by step recipe with pictures… enjoy cooking. Do try this easy twizzlers at home and don’t forget to share the comment in comment box if you like the recipe..!!

INGREDIENTS-

4-5 Sausages

2 tablespoon All purpose Flour

1 Egg

2-3 tablespoon Bread Crumbs[mixed with spices]

Oil for frying

 

METHOD:

STEP 1 - Boil the sausages for 5 minutes.

STEP 2 -  Put the sausages on the skewer sticks.

STEP 3 - Cut them spirally.

 STEP 4 - Coat it with all-purpose flour,

then give it an egg wash and

then roll it in the bread crumbs.

 Repeat the same with the rest of the sausages and keep them aside.

STEP 5 - Then heat oil in a deep and wide pan and deep fry them.

Ready to serve.

Serve hot with tomato ketchup or hot schezwan sauce and enjoy yummy sausage twizzlers.

MOZZARELLA STUFFED GARLIC KNOTS

Traditional garlic knots are made with mozzarella cheese stuffedinside.This is a restaurant copycat recipe which is crazy and easy to make at home. From last so amny days want to make something like this. Tried this on the occasion of Christmas and very happy with the results. Especially my daughters are so so happy after tasting them. Many times had it at Pizza Hut. To copy restaurant recipes at home is so much fun and many times they are super easy. These little fluffy biscuit knots are quick, easy and addicting ! Better make a double batch. If you don’t have biscuit dough, you can use a made  from scratch dough[not a drop biscuit dough] or a pizza dough. This is the best recipe for kids birthday parties or a get-togethers.

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon Prepared Pizza Dough[see tips]

1 teaspoon Mozzarella, Shredded

4 tablespoon Salted Butter

5 Garlic Cloves, minced

2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, finely chopped[see tips]

2 tablespoon Romano Cheese, grated [optional]

1 tablespoon All Purpose Flour for dusting

METHOD:

STEP 1 - Preheat oven to 425°F on a lightly floured surface,divide the dough in small equal portions.

STEP 2 -  roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.

STEP 3 - Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese throughout the center length of each piece.

STEP 4 - Close and pinch the edges together form a log shaped dough. Repeat the process for each portion.

STEP 5 - Carefully tie each portion into a knot. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

STEP 6 - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

STEP 7 - Meanwhile, in a sauce pan on medium flame, combine butter, garlic, and parsley until fragrant. Taste for taste if needed. Remove from heat.

STEP 8 - Once the knots are done, toss in the garlic butter,

 

 

sprinkle with Romano cheese and serve immediately.

Serve hot Garlic knots to your dear ones and enjoy.

NOTE: * I have made the pizza dough as per the instructions on the yeast packet or you can get the recipe in my blog itself. Just click here-

            *I don’t have parsley so used chopped coriander and make it Inadian style.

            * I didn’t used Romano cheese in my recipe. But still it tastes yumm.

            * I added oregano, spiced garlic powder and chilli flakes to make it more spicy.